L'Amico Fritz(English title: Friend Fritz)An Opera by Pietro Mascagni

Opera in three acts, by Pietro Mascagni; text by Suaratoni, from the story of Erckmann-Chatrian. Produced, Rome 1891. Philadelphia, by Gustav Hinrichs, June 8, 1892. New York, Metropolitan Opera House, with Calvé as Susel, January 10, 1894.

Act I. Fritz Kobus, a well-to-do landowner and confirmed bachelor, receive felicitations on his fortieth birthday. He invites his friends to dine with him. Among the guests is Susel, his tenants daughter, who presents him with a nosegay, and sits beside him. Never before has he realized her charm. Rabbi David, a confirmed matchmaker, wagers with the protesting Fritz that he will soon be married.

Act II. Friend Fritz is visiting Susels father. The charming girl mounts a ladder in the garden, picks cherries, and throws them down to Fritz, who is charmed. When Rabbi David appears and tells him that he has found a suitable husband for Susel Fritz cannot help revealing his own feelings.

Act III. At home again Fritz finds no peace. David tells him Susels marriage has been decided on. Fritz loses his temper; says he will forbid the bans. Susel, pale and sad, comes in with a basket of fruit. When her wedding is mentioned she bursts into tears. That gives Fritz his chance which he improves. David wins his wager, one of Fritzs vineyards, which he promptly bestows upon Susel as a dowry.

The duet of the cherries in the second act is the principal musical number in the opera.